Which course/uni

I have the opportunity to go to
The University of Birmingham to study Politics and international Relations or

The University of Leicester to study Law or

The University of Leeds to study Politics

The end goal is to become a solicitor so any of these paths are viable, what are people’s takes ?

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Am4a7r12

I have the opportunity to go to
The University of Birmingham to study Politics and international Relations or
The University of Leicester to study Law or
The University of Leeds to study Politics
The end goal is to become a solicitor so any of these paths are viable, what are people’s takes ?

I think it comes down to the individual law firm, but I would say you should do an LLB to play it safe (not even a BA in Law is adequate for some firms).

Strictly speaking, you can do an undergrad in any subject and then pursue an SQE, but some law firms will be asking for an LLB or a PGDL prior to taking you on for your training contract.

You then have to contend whether the uni is targeted by law firms. See the following:
https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/where-to-start/newsletter/law-firms-preferred-universities-2019
The information is a bit dated, but it should still apply until unis standardise LLBs.

Reply 2

Am4a7r12

Original post by MindMax2000

I think it comes down to the individual law firm, but I would say you should do an LLB to play it safe (not even a BA in Law is adequate for some firms).
Strictly speaking, you can do an undergrad in any subject and then pursue an SQE, but some law firms will be asking for an LLB or a PGDL prior to taking you on for your training contract.
You then have to contend whether the uni is targeted by law firms. See the following:
https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/where-to-start/newsletter/law-firms-preferred-universities-2019
The information is a bit dated, but it should still apply until unis standardise LLBs.

The plan would be to take a conversion course after my undergrad. The main tipple point for me is the fact UOB is a RG hence more targeted by Universities. In addition to moving out and me not wanting to stay at my home town which is Leicester.

Reply 3

University of Leicester

Official Rep

Original post by Am4a7r12

I have the opportunity to go to
The University of Birmingham to study Politics and international Relations or
The University of Leicester to study Law or
The University of Leeds to study Politics
The end goal is to become a solicitor so any of these paths are viable, what are people’s takes ?

Hello 🙂

You can explore our Law course on our webpage here https://le.ac.uk/courses/law-llb/2024 and if you do have any further questions or are still struggling to decide you are more than welcome to give us a call to discuss your thoughts too :smile:

Best Wishes,

Rachel
Student Recruitment Coordinator - The University of Leicester

Reply 4

Stiffy Byng

Original post by MindMax2000

I think it comes down to the individual law firm, but I would say you should do an LLB to play it safe (not even a BA in Law is adequate for some firms).
Strictly speaking, you can do an undergrad in any subject and then pursue an SQE, but some law firms will be asking for an LLB or a PGDL prior to taking you on for your training contract.
You then have to contend whether the uni is targeted by law firms. See the following:
https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/where-to-start/newsletter/law-firms-preferred-universities-2019
The information is a bit dated, but it should still apply until unis standardise LLBs.

Your claim that some law firms require an LLB is incorrect. A BA in law is equivalent to an LLB. For example, the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge award BAs in law. In any event, a law degree is not required for qualification as a solicitor or barrister.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 5

McGinger

Original post by Am4a7r12

I have the opportunity to go to
The University of Birmingham to study Politics and international Relations or
The University of Leicester to study Law or
The University of Leeds to study Politics
The end goal is to become a solicitor so any of these paths are viable, what are people’s takes ?

If Politics actually interests you enough to spend 3 or 4 years studying it, then go to Brum - especially if it includes any extras like study abroad or a placement. If at the end of it, you still want to work in Law there are plenty of options - a Law conversion Masters, or the new Solicitors qualifying route (Solicitor job profile | Prospects.ac.uk), or if you want to use the Politics degree, look at Human Rights law etc. Taking a Politics degree first will not make 'working in Law' more difficult - if anything, it will increase your eventual career opportunities.